Transcript:
HBO: Welcome to our chat with Michelle Williams,
HBO: best known as Jen Lindley on "Dawson's Creek".
HBO: In the upcoming HBO film IF THESE WALLS COULD
HBO: TALK 2 (which premieres Sunday, March 5 at 9
HBO: pm/8 Central), Michelle plays a college student,
HBO: active in the feminist movement of the early
HBO: '70s, who falls for a butch lesbian (played
HBO: by Chloe Sevigny). Now that you have a little
HBO: background, fire away with your questions for
HBO: Michelle. How are you today Michelle?
Michelle: I'm good thanks :-)
guest-ladyofthechorus: What made you decide to act in this movie?
Michelle: A lot of things attracted me to it - the women behind it, the
necessity of the story, and I love to work.
guest-yuly680: Did you like to make this lesbian role in spite of not
being
gay? Will you do it again?
Michelle: How do you know that I'm not gay? LOL I think that's my
favorite
thing about being an actress - the variation in roles, and taking on a
risk and hopefully doing something different every time.
guest-Laura: Many of the characters you've portrayed were very
self-confident, is that a quality that you share?
Michelle: I don't really find that. I wouldn't really say that all my
characters are self-confident. I just don't know.
guest-Manolis_Varnas: Michelle, who did you play in the movie "Species"
and
what was it like playing in that fantastic thriller?
Michelle: Did you find it to be fantastic? Really! I was the younger
version of Natasha Henstridge, the older alien. It was fun to do, but
it
was so long ago - I think I was 12 or 13 when I did it, and it was
great.
guest-ladyofthechorus: Did you have to talk with any gay or lesbian
people
to gear up for your role?
Michelle: Yes, I did a lot of research and watched old archival footage
and did documentaries. Also, I was able to talk with a few women who
went
through the movement in that time to get a grasp of the reality of the
time
and get some firsthand information.
guest-ladyofthechorus: What obstacles did you have to overcome in order
to
play this character?
Michelle: I wouldn't say there were obstacles; more challenges and
things
to discover. It was really just finding out about the times, and what
it
looked like, felt like, and getting a grasp of that.
guest-Manolis_Varnas: Michelle what do you think makes "Dawson's Creek"
such a successful show, and what do you think of the soundtrack?
Michelle: I haven't ever listened to the soundtrack! But I think that
what
made it successful in the beginning is that it was honest and
articulate,
and a different series, a different kind of TV show, that hadn't been
seen
before.
guest-mollie: Do you plan to play in other movies besides this new
movie of
yours, and who would you love to work with?
Michelle: I don't know - there are so many actors and actresses that I
admire and love to watch. I don't know what I'll do next.
guest-cosmo: Michelle, how do you think that this show reacts to the
real
life of the teenagers
Michelle: It's kind of hard to answer, because the show deals with life
in
high school and I haven't been in high school for a while. I hope that
it's
just honest. There are things we've tried to do with pushing
boundaries,
and other issue-driven episodes that hopefully help and give a place
for
teenagers to relate.
guest-Laura: If you could pick a role from any movie ever made to star
in,
what would it be?
Michelle: Although I'd never want to do it, because it's already been
done
perfectly and brilliantly, it would be Jessica Lange's role in
"Francis".
guest-Manolis_Varnas: You are a wonderful actress and the show rules!
What
has been your most favorite storyline so far?
Michelle: I don't know - I liked it last season when I was drinking!
guest-Laura: Who's your favorite actor of your generation?
Michelle: I don't know - I'm biased.
guest-Legacyst: Where you nervous about doing this movie?
Michelle: Not really. I was excited, and really grateful for the
opportunity and the chance to do something I believe in, and do
something
bigger than one individual person. Something that has necessity to it.
guest-Laura: Of all the roles you've done, which character do you most
identify with?
Michelle: I did a play called "Killer Joe" and the character that I
played
there was called "Scottie".
guest-Legacyst: How much longer do you think you'll stay working on
"Dawson's Creek"?
Michelle: You know, I don't know. I don't know how long my contract is
for.
guest-HerbertNYC: You were great in "Killer Joe." Are you going to do
more
theater?
Michelle: Thank you! I would love to do more theatre. I was so happy in
the time I spent doing that, and living in New York. There's a big
difference between live theatre and TV - you need more concentration in
TV, it's so quick and cut up. Whereas in theatre, you have to sustain a
level of commitment and honesty for 8 shows a week. But I also love
film,
and the intimacy of it.
guest-DeputyDoug: Michelle, has a director been chosen for "Don't
Blink,"
and when will it start filming?
Michelle: We're in the middle of it right now. Ideally we'll start
filming
over the hiatus, but it's a bigger commitment than I've ever taken on
and
it involves more time and energy. So it's kind of an arduous process.
guest-maddy: Which were the more difficult scenes to do?
Michelle: Obviously, there's a love scene, and that was without
question
the most difficult because it was so personal and vulnerable.
guest-medic: In addition to "If These Walls Could Talk", you also have
a
role in "But I'm A Cheerleader," which is a lesbian comedy. How did the
experiences differ?
Michelle: I worked for a day on "But I'm a Cheerleader" because friends
were involved in it. So there wasn't enough formative experience on
that
show to get a distinct feeling about it.
guest-ladyofthechorus: How do you feel about being considered a sex
symbol?
Michelle: YUECCHH! That's a really uncomfortable title, because it
feels
really limiting. I don't want to say demeaning, but sort of. I don't
think
I am one.
Screwdup: Has starring in "Dawson's Creek" made you more aware of your
true
acting potential?
Michelle: I don't know. It's given me lots of opportunities, and
allowed
me to do some things that I loved and am proud of. So in that respect,
it's
been great.
guest-Claire: What was it like working with Ellen and Anne?
Michelle: I didn't actually work with them, because they weren't in my
segment. But being around them, after making the film, they were so
gracious and kind. Even during filming they were always there to offer
support.
guest-Rachel: I heard that you have an upcoming project called "Don't
Blink." Can you elaborate on it?
Michelle: It's a story that two friends and I wrote together about a
year
ago. It mostly takes place in a brothel, but it's not really about
prostitution. It's about freedom, the cost of freedom, and friendship.
SusanIskiwitch: Michelle, I admire your work. Do you have any plans for
your hiatus from "Dawson's"?
Michelle: I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what to do.
guest-Claire: Are you prepared to deal with any adverse publicity for
portraying a lesbian?
Michelle: Yes! I'm ready to take it on! I haven't heard or felt any of
it
so far, but I'm ready to put up a fight because it's something that I'm
committed to. I'm more than willing to deal with the possible
ramifications.
guest-moxiegrl72: Do you prefer to act in TV shows or movies? And will
you
be doing more movies in the future?
Michelle: I certainly hope to do more films. They are both such
different
mediums. Each has benefits and things that make it worthwhile, so it's
hard
to weigh one against the other. But I'd say that there's something more
gratifying about film.
guest-HerbertNYC: Are you web savvy? Do you ever use the internet?
Michelle: No! It terrifies me! I don't understand it! I have a
computer,
but it's seldom used. I can't type, and I can't navigate the web.
SHADOWBLADE20: Michelle how did it feel working on "HalloweenH20"?
Michelle: It was a fun, breezy thing to do. I made a couple of great
friends, and that made it worth while.
guest-moxiegrl72: What was your all-time favorite movie growing up?
Michelle: I loved "Winnie the Pooh" when I was really young! "Dirty
Dancing" was an important part of my youth - the whole sexual awakening
that happened.
MandaSweety: If you could pick any co-star for a movie, who would it
be,
and why?
Michelle: Sam Shepard, because he's brilliant. Not to mention good
-looking :-)
guest-HerbertNYC: I was in born in Wilmington, NC (where "Dawson's
Creek"
is filmed). How do you like working there?
Michelle: I love the town itself - it's a really quaint, beautiful
place.
I grew up in a small town, so I feel at ease there. It's hard to be
transported to a city away from family and friends though.
guest-louisianna: Are you online at all? And what are your favorite
websites if you are online?
Michelle: No, I have no idea.
MandaSweety: Who was your role model to become an actress?
Michelle: I don't know that I can really pinpoint one specific person,
as
much as I was just enthralled with it all. I wanted to be a boxer at
first!
I was an exercise fanatic. I really liked boxing, and wanted to be the
first female Heavyweight Champion of the World, but then I realized I
was
never going to be taller than 5'3, and it crushed my dream. Acting
isn't
sloppy seconds, though. I am really glad to have found it, and I
wouldn't
know what to do without it. It's been a great outlet.
guest-SilverGirl: I Just wanted to say that I think it's really great
that
you decided to take on a lesbian role. Has this role in any way made
you
more open-minded, or were you already open-minded to the Gay and
Lesbian
issue before you did the role?
Michelle: I was already enlightened ;-) But yes, it has made me more
aware.
guest-Karina: Michelle what kind of advice would u give for an aspiring
actress?
Michelle: Be really sure that it's the choice you want to make, because
it's not easy sometimes. But persevere, because nothing really happens
overnight.
guest-roberta: This new movie is very polemic and I think it's
wonderful
when actors take the risk, but did you have second thoughts about
making it?
Michelle: No, I was excited and committed from the beginning. I didn't
stop and think twice about the possible ramifications. And I haven't
really
looked back.
guest-chazman: Have there been roles you haven't been able to accept
because of your being on "Dawson's Creek"?
Michelle: Yes, it's kind of a difficult situation when for 9 months of
the year, you're busy. You pretty much sell your soul, and it cuts down
on
your options.
haka15: Michelle I am a very big fan of "Dawson's Creek" and your
movies
and I was wondering if you received any harsh comments or ridicule for
contributing to the nudity in the play you were in this past summer?
Michelle: Ridicule?? There were people who questioned it, and were for
some reason disappointed in me, that it wasn't a correct choice. This
only
makes me the more proud of it. And that play is something I will stand
by
forever. It's so hard to explain if you haven't seen it, but it was so
much
more than just nudity in an off-Broadway play.
snuzke: I think that "Francis" is an incredible movie and much too
hidden
(i.e., no one's heard of it). Why are you drawn to Francis Farmer?
Michelle: For a lot of reasons - the fact that she was misunderstood,
and
unable to be controlled or boxed in. She was strong and different and
eccentric and talented. She had such a tragic story, too tragic to be
real.
It amazes me.
guest-EZGuest62: Michelle are you anxious for "If These Walls Could
Talk" 2
to premier on Sunday?
Michelle: Yeah, I'm excited for it to come out, for people to see it.
It's
important, and it does good.
guest-chazman: What was more scary..being naked on stage and screen, or
being interviewed by Howard Stern?
Michelle: LOL!!! Howard Stern! He was very nice and warm, but you never
know what he's going to hit you with. There were a couple of things
that
were inappropriate, because there's nothing off-limits to him, but I
knew
what I was getting into when I agreed to do the project.
angelphish_22: Michelle, do you like working with Joshua Jackson??
Michelle: He's a great person! He's hilarious, intelligent, well-spoken
and well-read. I like to argue with him!
guest-Harper: Can you talk a little bit about your experience making
"Dick."
Michelle: I had never done something comedic before, and "Dick" was
sort
of an experiment in that sense, a trial. It was new and untouched
territory, and I thought it would be interesting to see what it was
like.
And it was interesting! But I wouldn't do it again, because now I've
already done it.
guest-moxiegrl72: What other causes do you feel passionate towards?
Michelle: There are so many important social causes. Everything - and
it
sounds so vague, but I mean it. It's kind of widespread.
guest-keif: "Dick" was a great film that was completely underrated. Do
you
have a preference of comedy or drama?
Michelle: I kind of prefer drama. I feel more comfortable with it. I
don't
feel very funny! I enjoyed the three month period of making "Dick" and
being light-hearted and frivolous.
guest-Manolis_Varnas: What are your other favorite shows on TV (besides
"Dawson's Creek", of course!)
Michelle: "South Park", and "Sex in the City."
guest-marie: Of all the actresses you worked with on the set of this
HBO
movie, who did you most enjoy working with and why?
Michelle: I don't think I could narrow it down or pick or choose.
They're
all extraordinary, and have been equal in their support and outpouring
of
warmth.
guest-karma: Michelle I heard you like to write -- are you working on
anything or planning on writing anything soon?
Michelle: We finished the script that my two friends and I wrote. It
was
really consuming and difficult for me. I'm not naturally a writer, at
least
not for other people to read. I enjoy more writing for my own release.
I
write dirty limericks! LOL
guest-will: I love you and I think you are the coolest person on TV!
How
does it make you feel when you meet your fans?
Michelle: Well thank you! It makes me feel good - it's gratifying, and
always nice to feel one is accepted. It's strange when you meet fans,
because you don't really know for what reasons they like you. But it's
a
rewarding thing to see someone enjoy your work.
guest-maddy: Do you find it difficult to separate you public life from
your
personal life with the intrusions and with people recognizing you all
the
time?
Michelle: Yes, sometimes it's hard. There are instances where it's
really
inappropriate, and I don't want to be interrupted. I have to find a
balance, and it's something new to me. So I'm still trying to
understand that.
NikeP2: Do you ever watch the episodes of "Dawson's Creek"?
Michelle: I haven't actually seen an episode in a really long time. I'm
usually working when it airs. I don't think it's really natural to
watch
yourself on TV - I can't be objective or watch it for its entertainment
value. I end up evaluating my performance all the time. So I haven't
seen a
show for a while now.
guest-Erin: Hey Michelle, you were great in Halloween! What was it like
to
work with Jamie Lee Curtis?
Michelle: I love Jamie, and she's been a really good friend to me.
She's a
strong interesting woman.
guest-Manolis_Varnas: Michelle do you plan to do any commercials in the
future?
Michelle: Haven't you seen my Hi-C ads out there? They're all the rage!
LOL j/k :-) I don't know, really - what would I sell?
guest-Spootnoofy: What's your favorite movie you've acted in so far?
Michelle: My favorite role of all time would be the play "Killer Joe",
but
of course it wasn't a movie. My favorite movie, so far, would probably
be
"If These Walls Could Talk 2."
guest-booth: Michelle, how has success changed your life so far?
Michelle: I have better shoes. :-) There are huge ways, and then not at
all. It affects your lifestyle, certainly, for better and worse, but it
hasn't spoiled my friendships or changed my values.
guest-Spootnoofy: Did you enjoy working on the film Lassie in 1994?
Michelle: Sure. I was young...
SusanIskiwitch: Michelle, what was it like working with Kevin
Williamson?
He seems amazing!
Michelle: Kevin is an incredible man. He's talented, and had the
ability
to hop into something that really took off big in his films and
publishing
work. He's an extraordinary writer and a great man.
guest-jenny: You have a great attitude in believing in your work. Where
did
you get it from?
Michelle: I'm not quite sure how to answer that. I love what I do, I
love
my job. And I don't necessarily believe that my work is good, but I
really
try to make the right choices so that I'm honest and true to myself.
guest-karma: Is there a book you wish that you could make into a movie
and
star in?
Michelle: There are so many books that I love, but would be terrified
to
adapt - they're so dear to me I would be afraid to ruin them. "Cities
of
the Interior" is one. It would be impossible to adapt, but it's one of
my
favorite books.
guest-cassandra: Have you seen any other movies lately that you liked?
Michelle: I haven't really gotten out much. I think the last one I saw
was
"South Park" :-)
guest-Spootnoofy: What was your first acting gig?
Michelle: I'm not going to embarrass myself!!! I don't remember.
guest-italian: In Italy you are considered a successful actress such as
Leonardo Di Caprio. What do you think about it?
Michelle: I don't really know what to think about that... I'm very
flattered. I went to Venice once. It's a beautiful country.
guest-harley: Michelle would you try to make a music career like most
of
the actors do?
Michelle: No, I don't really have any musical talent!
guest-Jmeniteow: Was this movie a nice break from "Dawson's Creek"?
Michelle: Yes, it was. Playing the same character for nine months of
the
year for going on three years is really tough. It's monotonous at
times, so
this was a great opportunity to explore something else.
guest-Tank_Commander: So, you like boxing - do you ever do training
type
stuff like hitting the heavy bag or speed bag, even just for fun?
Michelle: No, I like to use walls. I don't box seriously any more, I
just
fool around.
guest-gicki: Will you be watching the movie, when it airs on HBO?
Michelle: I actually think I'm going to be on an airplane. But if I
weren't, I'd watch it.
guest-robert0259561: You attended a screening in NYC the other day. How
did
celebs and critics react to Walls2?
Michelle: Everything that I heard was kind and positive. I don't know
what
they were saying behind my back though ;-)
merleww2: Of all your performance which do you consider your absolute
best?
Which was the most fun to do?
Michelle: I could never be objective, so I can't categorize what I
think
is the best. Of all my performances, I think I'd still go back to the
play
"Killer Joe" as the most fun.
merleww2: Do you prefer complicated roles?
Michelle: Absolutely! Yes! Yes! I like complicated people, and
complicated
characters that are interesting and dynamic and a contradiction in
themselves.
guest-Rachel: Are there any new story lines for Jen coming soon,
because
she's had no plot for months!!!
Michelle: Tell me about it!! I really don't know what's going on or
coming
up.
guest-EmilyAnderson: What are your goals for the future?
Michelle: They all sound really cheesy. But to stay challenged, and be
happy.
guest-rhella: Has being a well-known actress made you feel isolated
from
the "real world" in any way?
Michelle: No, I mean, I still pick up my dry cleaning and do normal
things
with normal people. It jars your life when someone comes up to you,
because
you're cognisant of being different, but it hasn't hindered me in any
way.
guest-Alex2000: I'm a huge fan Michelle, and it's real cool talking to
you.
What was the difference between doing a TV movie and a regular one?
Michelle: The main thing was working with sort of a constrained
schedule,
and shooting something in three weeks, or whatever it was, as opposed
to
three months.
Algrab: Will you be making any TV appearances?
Michelle: Yeah, every Wednesday night at 8 or 9 p.m.!
guest-Eneris: How has the role of Linda contributed to your development
as
an actor?
Michelle: She was different from anybody else I ever played, and the
more
people that you personify, the bigger your repertoire grows and the
better
an actor you become.
guest-CreekFreak: I met you before (outside the Soho Playhouse on the
last
day of the "Killer Joe" show) and u were so great-I just wanted to
thank
you-sorry this isn't a question.
Michelle: Oh yeah, I remember you!
HBO: Do you have any last comments you would like to leave with your
fans
this evening?
Michelle: Everyone in California, vote NO on Prop. 22! Thank you for
asking your questions, and for your support.
HBO: Thanks for chatting, and be sure to watch Michelle in
HBO: "IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK 2,
HBO: Sunday March 5 at 9 pm/8 Central on HBO.
HBO: This chat has been a production of
HBO: Talk City, Inc. in association with
HBO: HBO. Copyright 2000,
HBO: all rights reserved.
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